Class 10 Geography


Resources and Development

Resource: Anything which can be used for satisfying the human needs is called a resource. In this definition, satisfaction of human needs is an important criteria for anything to be categorised as a resource. There are plenty of things around us but only some of them can satisfy human needs.

Types of Resources

Types of Resources as Natural and Man-made

Biotic Resources

All living organisms in our environment are called biotic resources. For example, trees, animals, insects, etc.

Abiotic Resources

All non-living things present in our environment are termed as abiotic resources. Example: earth, air, water, metals, rocks, etc.

Renewable Resources

Resources that can be replenished within foreseeable future are called renewable Resources. Example: agricultural crops, water, forest, wildlife, etc.

Non-renewable Resources

Resources which caanot be replenished within foreseeable future are called non-renewable resources. Example: fossil fuel.

Types of Resources on Some Other Criteria

Types of Tesources on the Basis of Ownership

Resources can be natural of human. Natural resources can renewable or non-renewable. Structures, institutions, population, etc. are human-made or human resources.

Resources on the Basis of Ownership

A resource can owned by an individual, or community, or the nation or the whole world.

Types of Resources on the Basis of Status of Development

Resources on the Basis of Status of Development

There are three types of resources on this criteria, and they are as follows:

Potential Resource

If technology for harnessing a resource is available, but the resource is not being used at a reasonable scale, it is called a potential resource. Solar energy is a good example of potential resource.

Developed Resource

A resource which is currently being used is called a developed resource. Examples: coal, petroleum, etc.

Stock Resource

If technology for harnessing a resource is not available, then the resource is called stock resource. Example: hydrogen fuel.

Development of Resources

Thus, equal distribution of resources becomes necessary for sustainable development. Planning of resources is necessary to ensure equitable distribution and sustainable development.

Sustainable Development: Development which takes place without damaging the environment and compromising with needs of future is called sustainable development.